Departing USFWS Director Dan Ashe Issues Lead Ammo Ban

by
posted on February 24, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
ashe_ban_f.jpg

Just one day before President Trump's inauguration, departing U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe—and the administration that appointed him—took one last shot at American hunters by issuing Director's Order No. 219, which directs the USFWS to expand the use of nontoxic ammunition and fishing tackle on USFWS lands, water and facilities—and for certain types of hunting and fishing regulated by the Service outside those areas—to the fullest extent by January 2022. In short: The plan seeks to effectively ban the use of all lead ammunition and fishing tackle on USFWS lands.

Signed on Jan. 19, 2017, the order came in decidedly late, just hours before Donald Trump's administration would take the reigns.

The Director's Order requires several initiatives to go into effect immediately. Regional and assistant USFWS directors must work with states, regional state fish and wildlife associations, other federal agencies and tribes over the next 24 months to expand current state, federal and tribal requirements. The USFWS must use “available information” on the negative impacts of lead ammunition or fishing tackle on “sensitive, vulnerable or Service trust resources” to justify “steps to expeditiously require” non-lead alternatives. The USFWS Assistant Director for Migratory Birds, in consultation with National Flyway Councils and the states, must “phase in a requirement for the use of nontoxic ammunition for the recreational hunting of mourning doves and other upland game birds.”

NRA, the NSSF and other hunting and conservation-based organizations have rallied against the order.

NRAHLF.org has further details on Director's Order No. 219, which can be found here.

Latest

Bear Walking By River
Bear Walking By River

A Brown Bear Hunt On Baranof

A spring hunt for brown bear on Alaska’s Baranof Island is a bucket-list experience, and, on the author’s hunt, included buckets of rain. 

Smith & Wesson Adds .30-30 Win. to Model 1854 Line

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. has announced the release of its Model 1854 chambered in .30-30 Winchester.

Hardware Review: Savage Axis 2 Pro

This year Savage has upped the budget bolt-action ante with the introduction of the Axis 2 Pro. You don’t get something for nothing, and upgraded features do bump up the price a bit, but also the overall value.

First Look: Barnett’s Hyper Raptor T-Rex Crossbow

New for 2025, Barnett has introduced its Hyper Raptor T-Rex, transforming the hunting experience with an Integrated Planetary De-Cocking System.

Treestand Site Prep 101: Attract Bigger Bucks

We examine multiple ways to make the bucks you want get close to your stand.

New for 2025: Charter Arms Pathfinder II .22 LR Revolver

Charter Arms, manufacturers of 100-percent American-made revolvers for more than 60 years, has announced the introduction of the new Pathfinder II .22 double-action/single-action (DA/SA) revolver, chambered in .22 Long Rifle.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.